Other Teams

Writers

All Blacks record will help Kiwi recovery says Hansen

James Mortimer 05 Dec 2012 Getty Images

While the 38-21 loss to England has shaken All Blacks fans, coach Steve Hansen said that the team’s record this season, with just one loss from 14 Test matches, will ensure that the New Zealand public keep the faith with the World Champions.

In the past losses have almost amounted to public mourning, and Hansen said that the team’s bruised ego was reflective of the mood back home.

"They know we'll be hurting as they will be,” Hansen said.

The All Blacks 2012 record remained one the team and the fans could be proud of.

A 3-0 series whitewash over Ireland in the Steinlager Series, the retention of the Bledisloe Cup for a tenth year and a clean sweep of The Investec Rugby Championship, as well as victories over Scotland, Italy and Wales in the Air New Zealand European Tour – gave Hansen confidence that the England defeat will be balanced by the achievements of the side this season.

“They (Kiwis) will also be somewhat forgiving," Hansen said.

However the All Blacks coach didn’t mince words when saying that ultimately the team had high standards, and that they were disappointed they were unable to meet them in their final Test match of the year.

“It's about meeting your own expectations,” he said.

“We didn't do that.”

"That's the pain we'll take through right into next season. That's the pain that won't do us any harm."